Medical products storage device including access control

Abstract

An apparatus and method for storing medical products such as pharmaceutical and medical products in climate controlled storage devices includes climate control systems in communication with inventory access and tracking systems.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A storage device for medical products comprises
 a control system, 
 a cabinet enclosing a plurality of storage spaces, 
 a storage container associated with one of the storage spaces, wherein the storage container conducts light, 
 an actuation assembly including an independently actuable actuator operable to secure or release the storage container relative to the storage space, wherein the actuation assembly is operable to illuminate the storage container when the storage container is released from the storage space, and wherein the actuator is operable to act on and move the storage container relative to the storage space that the storage container is associated with such that a portion of the storage container extends outwardly from the storage space as the storage container is released relative to the storage space, and 
 a manual release mechanism actuable by a user to over-ride the actuation assembly and independently release the storage container from the storage space. 
 
     
     
       2. The storage device of  claim 1 , wherein the storage space includes an arm movable between a first position in which the arm secures the storage container and a second position in which the arm releases the storage container. 
     
     
       3. The storage device of  claim 2 , wherein the arm includes a hook that engages the storage container when the arm secures the storage container and disengages the storage container when the arm releases the respective storage container. 
     
     
       4. The storage device of  claim 3 , wherein the actuator of the actuation assembly is operable to move a respective arm between the first and second positions. 
     
     
       5. The storage device of  claim 4 , wherein the storage device further includes a detector to detect the position of the arm. 
     
     
       6. The storage device of  claim 5 , wherein each actuator has an associated sensor for detecting the position of an arm adjacent the respective actuator. 
     
     
       7. The storage device of  claim 6 , wherein each actuator comprises a solenoid actuated plunger that engages the arm when the solenoid is energized to thereby move the arm between the first and second positions. 
     
     
       8. The storage device of  claim 7 , wherein the control system compares the state of the solenoid to the signal from the detector to determine if the arm is properly positioned. 
     
     
       9. The storage device of  claim 8 , wherein the arm is formed to include a push rod which acts on the storage container as the arm is moved to the second position to cause the storage container to be moved in the storage space such that a portion of the storage container extends outwardly from the storage space. 
     
     
       10. The storage device of  claim 9 , wherein the storage container is operates as a light pipe and the actuation assembly is operable to illuminate the storage container when the storage container is released from the storage space. 
     
     
       11. The storage device of  claim 10 , wherein the release mechanism includes a security device to prevent the release mechanism from being actuated. 
     
     
       12. The storage device of  claim 11 , wherein the security device is a lock that is only moveable by operation of a key. 
     
     
       13. The storage device of  claim 12 , wherein the release device further includes a mechanical structure that moves to an indicator position when the release device has been actuated. 
     
     
       14. The storage device of  claim 13 , wherein the mechanical structure does not return from the indicator position when the release device is returned to permit the arm to return to the first positions. 
     
     
       15. The storage device of  claim 14 , wherein the storage device includes a re-set actuator that is operable, under the control of the control system, to move the mechanical structure from the indicator position after the release device has been moved to allow the arms to return to their respective first positions. 
     
     
       16. The storage device of  claim 15 , wherein the release device automatically locks when returned to a home position. 
     
     
       17. The storage device of  claim 16 , wherein the release mechanism includes a security device to prevent the release mechanism from being actuated. 
     
     
       18. The storage device of  claim 17 , wherein the release device further includes a mechanical structure that moves to an indicator position when the release device has been actuated. 
     
     
       19. The storage device of  claim 1 , wherein the release device further includes a mechanical structure that moves to an indicator position when the release device has been actuated.